CHILDREN’S EYE SCREENING SERVICE
Children are generally screening in reception at school. Those deemed suitable for the community service are referred to a local accredited optician for further detailed tests. The service is run by Primary Ophthalmic Solutions (POS), the provider arm of LSL and BBG LOCs.
Why children’s vision screening
- Uncorrected refractive error can have significant effects
- Children with poor vision don’t know they have poor vision as have nothing to compare
- Screening vision at a young age will help detect Amblyopia, any uncorrected visual error and treatment at a younger age offers better visual outcomes
- Children with uncorrected refracted errors are disadvantaged due to their sight and often will not do as well at school and have poorer outcomes in their futures
- Screening aims to detect these children, improve their vision and increase their future options
There are 6 phases of the service
- Input of details by screener (Health Care Professional) after checking vision in school
- Referral module for POS admin team to allocate to local Optician’s practice
- Acceptance or rejection by practice
- 1st appointment with MECS Community Optometrist
- 6 week phone check (if follow-up required)
- 12 – 16 week check (if follow-up required)
The CCG has commissioned the service with POS and the details of scheme and criteria has developed with input from the Orthoptic leads at St Thomas’ and Kings.